South view of the entrance. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

North entrance of the building, in front of the Hakka Castle. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

North entrance of the building, in front of the Hakka Castle. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

Bridge across the river. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

Access stairs to the hanging bridge over the river, from the west bank. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

Hanging bridge across the river. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

Corridor looking outside. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

Classroom, interior. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

Playing box at the South end. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

Master plan. Copyright: Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Li Xiaodong.

The ‘Bridge School’ bridges the two parts of the small village of Xiashi that lie on either side of a small creek running about ten metres below the village. The structure is created by two steel trusses that span the creek with the space between them housing the functions of the school. Suspended from the structure and running below it is a pedestrian bridge for the people of the village to use. Small and modern in design, with no reference to the area’s traditional building style, the school has nonetheless become the physical and spiritual centre of what was a declining village. Placed in such a way that it addresses its surroundings, the Bridge School connects the village together, providing a central, social space. The broader social aspect of the project was part of the brief, which was developed with the school principal and head of the village to answer community needs rather than simply those of a primary school. A public library separates the two classrooms and open stages at either end of the building enable performances. The result is a project that has successfully invigorated the entire community, encapsulating social sustainability through architectural intervention.

Data

Bridge School
Xiashi, Fujian Province, China
Architect: Li Xiaodong (Atelier)
Client: Xiashi Village
Design: 2008
Completed: 2008
Built Area: 240 sq m

Credits & Copyrights

Aga Khan Award for Architecture
www.akdn.org/architecture

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